Methods: Retrospectively, 347 lateral-PCNL cases performed from July 2001 to July 2015 were examined. the patient's thorax, abdomen, and pelvis were positioned over a bridge perpendicular to a "broken" table, creating an extended lumbodorsal space. The procedure was evaluated in terms of stone clearance at 3 months' postprocedure, operative time, and complications.
Results: Primary stone clearance was achieved in 82.7% of patients. The mean operating time was 97 min. The average time taken to establish the tract and mean radiation time were 4.5 min and 6.93 min, respectively. In total, 2.3% of patients required postoperative transfusion, and 13.5% of patients had postoperative fever. There was one case of hydrothorax, but no bowel perforation.
Conclusions: Our lateral-PCNL technique allows for effective stone clearance due to good stone ergonomics and it should be considered as a safe alternative even in the most routine procedures.